Magazine

Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Port Douglas, Queensland has been recognised as a Green Travel Leader by Ecotourism Australia. The Green Travel Leader program was established in 2006 and is awarded to Ecotourism Australia members who demonstrate a sustainable and long-term past, present and future commitment to ecotourism. An exclusive club of just 127 Green Travel Leaders across Australia, Thala is one of 20 tourism operators to recently reach this significant milestone of ten years Ecotourism Australia certification.

According to Professor Ross Dowling, Ecotourism Australia founding member, 'Over the past twenty years Ecotourism Australia has grown from a small group of environmental tourism enthusiasts to the world's most respected industry organisation in ecotourism.'

In the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, Thala is proud to join this team of leaders in sustainable eco-tourism. The United Nations aims to highlight the tremendous potential the tourism industry has to create a sustainable future on issues such as climate change and environmental conservation. Tourism operators are in a position to create sustainable solutions that can be readily implemented at grassroots level. Thala's Advanced eco-certification, along with this recent recognition as a Green Travel Leader, underpins Thala's commitment to sustainable practices and environmental sensitivity.

Ecotourism Australia congratulated the 20 new members of the Green Travel Leaders program, noting that 'being recognised as a Green Travel Leader brings enormous credibility to these operators.'

Tourism Research Australia studies show that nature based visitors are staying longer and spending more. Being a high quality, reliable provider of responsible and engaging experiences positions operators to take advantage of this market. Credible certification programs such as those ratified by Ecotourism Australia, offer reassurance to visitors that tourism businesses are implementing sustainable practices and are committed to environmental, social and cultural sustainability. Consumers are increasingly aware of climate change and do consider environmental sustainability when making purchase decisions.

Guests at Thala enjoy complimentary guided nature tours by onsite rangers including tree planting, stargazing at an outdoor observatory, beach discovery, wildlife and bird-watching tours. Respected elders from the Kuku Yalanji people visit each week for an Aboriginal cultural presentation including a Didgeridoo demonstration. Thala's completely organic 650 tree coconut plantation, which is the first thing visitors see upon arrival at Thala, is home to a unique coconut odyssey tour highlighting the extraordinary qualities of the 'tree of life'.

Spacious eco-designed tree house-style bungalows offer a peaceful sanctuary for guests amongst 58ha of native forest. Popular with nature loving travellers, Thala's forest provides a habitat for a thriving wallaby population as well as hundreds of bird and butterfly species. Guests enjoy complimentary guided walks, stargazing and coconut odyssey tours with knowledgeable on-site Rangers or explore independently via Thala's network of forest trails. Thala's 2km of private access beach is one of the retreat's most popular assets.